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More About the Author

Susan Snyder worked as a teacher, illustrator, and Japanese language interpreter before becoming head of public service at The Bancroft Library at the University of California, Berkeley, where she has spent twenty years exploring the library's stacks, attics, and moats.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

It's hard to neatly peg this attractive, even whimsical survey of camping: part Western history and part survey of camping's changing environment and methods, PAST TENTS blends both vintage and contemporary black and white photos of outings with historical background on the changing nature and perception of the American camper in the West. Both history and general-interest collections, especially those where camping and outdoors topics are a popular lend, will find this an excellent acquisition and perfect, eye-catching display choice.

Well worth theprice. Would have loved more pictures though. The ones incuded are awesome and there are many. We're just gluttens for old photographs. Still a fun book and will provide a great peek into history. The author did a fantastic job.

This is a wonderfully entertaining and informative book about America's outdoor enthusiast heritage.

The book is richly illustrated with very high quality photos from the late 1800's to the mid 1930's.

Equally as thrilling are the many writings from diaries and letters from the time period giving us a window into what it was like to camp in the wilds of the USA before rules and designated campsites.

Welcome to a day when even the common man could take several weeks or a month vacation.

One thing that is clear is that the joys of the outdoors and camping and the camaraderie of it all remains the same even today.

It is surprising, however, how many women participated in camping back in the day - bringing along their long billowing Victorian dresses and hats. Still, they had the respect and delight of the men who mentioned in the writings that women campers are even more energetic and durable than most men.

You will make quick work of this fascinating book and then keep it on the top of the coffee table for others to delight.

This book would be a real treat for any outdoor enthusiast and camper.

Funny and informative book about camping and back packing around the beginning of the 20th century. The recipe for waterproofing boots (pine tar and cod liver oil) is probably worth the price of the book. The ads are priceless. Historical photographs are a treasure for photography buffs. Striped canvas tents in Yosemite; Phoebe Apperson Hearst in a striped tect, sitting in a rocking chair at at desk, with an iron bedstead beside her. Ruth Smith